Instead of letting extra clothing, holiday decorations, and other out of season items crowd you out of your closet, put them in seasonal storage. For a first step, evaluate whether it should even be stored at all or if you are slowly becoming a pack rat. Too often we fail to clean out, reorganize, or recycle unneeded items. Have each member of the family sort out their belongings into four groups: what they are using, what can be recycled or tossed, and what can be stored in seasonal storage. Group like items together. Instead of putting them into "temporary" boxes, invest in plastic storage containers similar in size and stackable. If that is too expensive, you can purchase plastic garbage cans with lids. Line the inside of the container with cedar wood chips or a sack of potpourri. Label and identify the outside and use the same storage box every year. Home-improvement stores have convenient bins in colors and check our "Seasonal Storage Resources" section for help in finding the perfect tote. Since they are so light, the shipping is nominal. Skinny airtight boxes (with tissue paper to keep wrinkling to a minimum) can be shoved under beds with clothes and shoes, while large boxes can be stacked high in the garage. Rolling garment racks or portable closets are also systems that are easy to use. Be sure to air out the bags every six months, if you haven't used the items in awhile.

Seasonal storage for outdoor items are another story. If outdoor storage sheds are not available, then you are left with re-organizing the garage. "When in doubt, throw it out". Totes and bins are popular for tools, equipment, camping gear, and gardening supplies. Garden furniture can be covered with tarps or old sheets. The more you get off the floor, the more spacious your garage will seem, so add shelves or maximize the shelf area you have for holding your utility baskets. You can also create a high ceiling storage area in the peak of your garage.

As a last resort, seasonal storage can usually be created inside the house with furniture that serves two purposes. Consider an armoire or a window seat with cupboard doors or drawers underneath. Line it with cedar and you can store your wool blankets and feather quilts in it. Place an extra file cabinet in your office or closet and store with unused clothing, with toys you are saving, and with holiday decorations.